Property Flood Resilience at the Harbour Inn @ Suffolk

The Harbour Inn in Southwold, Suffolk (pic 9), has implemented a comprehensive flood resilience strategy to manage the regular flooding it experiences due to its low-lying location. The property manager, Nick Attfield, has worked to assess the flood risks and develop a recoverability approach to flood resilience. Due to the location, it was acknowledged that resistance measures were not suitable. The water raises too high (pic 6), and the pressure would do significant damage, so it is better to let flow in and out (Pic 1).

The key elements of the inn’s flood resilience strategy include:

• The inn has tiled floors that can be washed down. Any tiles that ‘pop out’ are easily re-laid and grouted by a local tradesman.
• The bar is made of marine ply (pic 7).
• The tables and seating are made of hardwood and can be hosed down (pic 3).
• All kitchen equipment is on wheels and can be moved easily (pic 4), and steps in the staircase are removable to make space for these (pic 5). Some are also placed on crates so that in a lower flood, they don’t need moving.
• The electricity and gas supply are high up and can be easily turned off and back on (pic 8).
• The toilets are all tiled and can be washed down afterwards (pic 2).
• They have their own sewage treatment system and are treated as top priority by a local company, who will come and empty it at short notice to prevent it backing up.